Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers Pick – 4/12/2025

Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview

On April 12, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium, marking the second game in their series. Both teams have started strong this season, with the Dodgers boasting a solid 11-4 record and the Cubs sitting at 9-7. The Dodgers are currently a significant betting favorite with a moneyline of -175, reflecting an impressive implied team total of 4.79 runs, while the Cubs are underdogs at +150 with a lower implied total of 3.71 runs.

Roki Sasaki is projected to take the mound for Los Angeles. Currently ranked as the 29th best starting pitcher in MLB according to advanced metrics, Sasaki has struggled with hits and walks, projecting to allow 4.2 hits and 1.8 walks on average today. However, his potential to strike out 5.5 batters could work in the Dodgers’ favor. Meanwhile, Ben Brown is set to start for the Cubs, ranked 65th, and also facing challenges with his projections, including allowing 4.2 hits and 2.1 walks.

With both teams coming off strong starts to the season, expect a tightly contested matchup, particularly with Los Angeles looking to utilize their home-field advantage as they aim to maintain their momentum against a capable Cubs squad.

Quick Takes Chicago Cubs:

It may come as a surprise, but fastballs are typically a pitcher's least effective pitch. Ben Brown has utilized his fastball a lot since the start of last season, though: 63.3% of the time, checking in at the 100th percentile.

• Fastballs are the one easiest pitches to hit and generate few strikeouts, so pitchers who rely too heavily on them tend to be less effective than they otherwise would be.

Quick Takes Los Angeles Dodgers:

Among all SPs, Roki Sasaki's fastball velocity of 96.4 mph grades out in the 96th percentile this year.

• Velocity is a key component to fastball success in generating strikeouts and preventing runs.

According to the leading projection system (THE BAT), the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen projects as the 3rd-best among all MLB teams.

• Most bettors only consider the starting pitcher, but a strong bullpen sneakily creates a tougher matchup for the opposing offense and suppresses a game's runs.

Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction

Predicted Final Score: Chicago Cubs 4.53, Los Angeles Dodgers 5.07

• Date: April 12, 2025
• Venue: Dodger Stadium
• Starting Pitchers:
  • Ben Brown - Cubs
  • Roki Sasaki - Dodgers

Stay informed with the most recent MLB news and our analytics-driven MLB picks and predictions all season long.